Single Life Dear Future Husband 8:00 PM We will make a beautiful harmony together through the different notes that we play. The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 30: Write a letter to your future mate saying whatever you want to say Dear Future Husband, It is a long, dragging journey but I learned to enjoy every step of the way; thinking that every day is one step closer to the day we will meet. God is preparing me to be the best that I can be because He's prepared His best for me too: a royalty for His little princess. I know you're not going to be perfect just as imperfect as I am. But, we are perfectly imperfect for each other, and that's what makes it beautiful. We will make a beautiful harmony together through the different notes that we play. I will not promise to give you everything you want, but I will serve you with everything that I have. I am doing really well now, I feel like I could stay like this forever. But, the day you would come is a big big bonus from up above. I complete me, but you would complement me. Thanks for adding accent to my already colorful life. You are the blueberry to my cheesecake. The sprinkles to my ice cream. It's not an easy journey. People criticize me for my choices, question and laugh at my standards. I trip, I fall, I got lost somehow, thinking I've already found you. But, it was nothing but another fraud---a toad pretending to be you. I am glad God meddled in before I sunk deep into that mess. I am learning everything I could, I am enjoying every moment, so that when you finally come I will have lots of stories and lessons to share with you. I am whole and you won't have to fix me. Because in the first place, that's not your job. Your job is to love me. When I've reached the end of the line of my single-hood, I know you'll be there waiting for me. Everything falls in their proper place at His right time, just as He designed the seasons to change at the right moment. We just need to be more patient because He is never late nor early. His timing is always perfect. Dear future husband, I know you're out there. Also wondering, also waiting for that day to come. I can only be excited for that day. As for now, learn all you can. Explore the world. Don't be afraid to take risks. Make mistakes. Enjoy each day. Know that every day you face, each step you take is also a step closer to me. I'll see you when I see you. XOXO, Your future wife Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Single Life Are There Health Risks Associated With Being Single? 8:00 PM Health Risks Associated With Being Single Is there a link between health and relationships? Yes, but with a lot of disclaimers. While a trend exists between your health and whether or not you are married or single, it’s not always true. Still, broadly speaking, the scale of better health and well-being tips in favor of married people. With that said, finding a partner simply to improve health is not the answer. Instead, look for love and take proactive steps to keep the negative health effects of single life from undermining your health. Here are some ways being single can affect your health for better or worse: How Being Single Affects Your Health for the Worse 1. Mental Health You are more likely to suffer from common neurosis like anxiety and depression because of a sense of isolation. You may feel lonely and vulnerable when you have nobody to talk to about your personal problems, chores, money. In worse case scenarios, single men and women are more likely to suffer from substance abuse issues as well as heart problems. You can get more information here about how alcohol, substance, or prescription drug abuse begins with self-medicating for underlying psychological issues. As a single person, you may also be stigmatized as someone who is lonely and unhappy. This can lower self-esteem and create depression, especially if family and friends are constantly trying to persuade you to develop a relationship. Mental health issues can also affect couples who are in a miserable relationship. However, couples who get along well with each other and less likely to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges as they have someone who can help them navigate a personal crisis. 2. Financial pressures. On average, single people with regular jobs face more financial challenges than a two-income household who can share expenses. Worrying about how to make ends meet or how to overcome a financial emergency can be a source of tremendous stress and anxiety for a single person. Financial issues affect couples who live beyond their means. If more money is going out than coming in, then the benefits of two people bringing in more money into the house is nullified. In this case, there may be more arguments about money management. 3. Recovery from serious illnesses. When a single person has to be hospitalized for an illness, they may not get the care they need after they return home. They are especially at risk for poor recovery if they have had surgery. Even if family or friends try to help through frequent visitation, the single person may still have to do many things on their own unless someone moves in until they recover. By contrast, a married person will have family around them to carry the burden of household chores and to provide them with companionship and nursing assistance. How Being Single Affects Your Health for the Better 1. Better weight management. Married couples tend to be less concerned about maintaining their ideal body weight than single people. Since they are no longer under any kind of pressure to attract a new mate, they are less likely to be concerned about their appearance. A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) explains why married people tend to gain more weight than single people: “Marriage involves social role obligations, which may influence body weight through their effects on dietary intake. Newly cohabiting partners share kitchens and meals, which encourages them to eat more regular and more elaborate meals than they had done prior to their relationship, facilitates their snacking, involves their sharing meals with each other’s communal circles, and often produces dietary convergence. Dietary changes such as these may affect partners’ caloric intakes and body weights.” 2. Single people exercise more. You’re more likely to exercise regularly if you are single and show a greater interest in eating properly and following a healthy lifestyle. Even married couples who don’t have children are likely to exercise less. Trends, Not Facts It’s important to keep in mind that these are trends, not necessarily incontrovertible facts. While there have been many studies done on the health difference between single and married people, these are based on surveys and statistical data. In truth, there are too many variables in personalities and relationships to be able to come up with any conclusive results. This article was made possible by site supporter Jenna B. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Valentine’s Dream Date 8:00 AM Whether single or in a relationship, you have that one dream date you've always wanted to try. A location, food, or experience you've always wanted to tick off your bucket list. What is your Valentine's dream date? 1. Valentine’s Dream Date by the Beach The relaxing sound of the waves splashing, the cool salty breeze against my skin, the comforting feel of sand on my feet, and the breathtaking backdrop of the sunset...oh, heaven! That’s a dream date any time of the year, really.2. Valentine’s Dream Date Under the StarsThere’s something magical and profound about looking up at the stars. Those balls of fire from afar bring out the romantic side in anyone. Plus, it’s fun to search for your favorite constellations with your beloved while talking about your dreams.3. Valentine’s Dream Date and the Aurora Borealis Experience Who wouldn’t want to see the spectacular northern lights? It’s breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and definitely romantic. Have you ever seen this spectacular display of light with your significant other? 4. Staycation Valentine’s DateNo need to leave the comfort of home to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day date. What can you do on a staycation date?Cook a special dinner with your loved one.Or order your favorite meal.Play a fun board game.Watch your comfort movie or show.Listen to great music and dance the night away.5. Cityscape Valentine’s Dream Date For those working in the concrete jungle who can’t afford to go out of town due to their hectic schedules, the view of the city at night is a beautiful alternative. Have dinner on a rooftop or make a reservation in a restaurant with a stunning city view.To be away from the city below and to still feel connected to everything around you is solace. Valentine’s Dream DateWhether out for an adventure or staying home, it’s all romantic, fun, and memorable when spent with your significant other. There are many options for dates, but my ultimate Valentine’s dream date is one with a scenic view. It’s essential to preserve and remember special moments like romantic times with your partner, so choose how to document them properly. Use a reliable camera to take and store the photos. It would be lovely to look back years from now and see how wonderful your Valentine’s date was. And remember: The view is perfect when you’re gazing into your beloved’s eyes. What’s your Valentine’s dream date? Hero imageThis post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
Faith The Gift Of Emptiness 9:00 AM I thank God for my gift of emptiness. Emptiness is like a gift wrapped haphazardly by the Giver in a nondescript wrapper. You wouldn't know how beautiful it is until you've opened it. If it wasn't for that hungry pang for something better, I wouldn't have striven harder. If it wasn't for that emptiness, I wouldn't have been desperate to search for an answer. I would have been complacent. I might have been living contentedly with "just enough". Your emptiness can do stupendous things in your life. The Gift Of Emptiness My emptiness did these incredible things in my life: My emptiness gave me the drive to learn something new; to keep on growing, to keep on searching for ways that will make my life better. My emptiness made me rethink my decisions and enabled me to see things more clearly. It made me recognize the distractions, and made me focus on the more important things. My emptiness taught me that the world can confuse us about what matters most. Because the world is made of people just as imperfect, flawed and empty as we are. In time, we will understand what is essential and what is superficial. My emptiness made me empathetic. It made me see the emptiness in others too. It made me kinder. My emptiness created a space that made me ready and open to receive more. Thankfully, my emptiness did not drive me to desperation and accept whatever it is that's available just so I can say I have something to call my own. On the contrary, it taught me to never settle for less than what I truly deserve. My emptiness and weakness made me believe more in the power and strength of God at work in my life. I did not understand it at first and it was difficult. It is hard to keep believing you'll be okay when you can't see the end. But I held on. And I'm glad I did. Indeed, God remains faithful even when we are not. My emptiness made me excited for the great plans that are yet to be revealed. My emptiness helped me appreciate the little things. A simple message asking how I’m doing, a listening ear, a portion of someone’s time, God's quiet presence, a random act of kindness, beautiful songs, glorious mornings---these are great blessings not everyone get to experience. All these things which I used to take for granted, I now treasure. My emptiness made me desire to seek the Source that will fill me up and will never leave me thirsty again. Embrace your emptiness and know that it is only a phase---a beautiful phase that can do surprisingly marvelous things the way only emptiness can. Receive and cherish the gift of emptiness. It is an essential part of growing. It is a place you need to go through to get to your destiny. Shared this article on The Praying Woman
Single Life This Happy Single Asks 12:00 AM Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Sometimes, this happy single asks: What's out there? Who's out there for me? Is this all there is for me? Sometimes, this happy single asks one too many times it seems: When's my time? Is it tomorrow? Is it next week? How much longer do I have to wait? Some nights are colder. Longer. More cruel. People could be ruthless; laughing at her life choices, making her feel she's not good enough. So sometimes, this happy single asks: when is it going to stop? But there are days---many, many days when her faith prevails and her hope is renewed. So this happy single asks with excitement: What's he like? Have I already met him? (God forbid!) What would that day be like? Is it going to be just another ordinary day and destiny will sneak up on me? Or will I be swept off my feet like in the books or movies? Yes, sometimes her imagination runs wild. But, that's the beauty of being single. You have a blank canvas. You can paint your future the way you want to. She's honestly, genuinely happy for her peers getting hitched or starting a family of their own. She celebrates their milestones with joy. Yet, sometimes this happy single still asks: How about me? Is this all what life has in store? Maybe it's normal to be curious, to be anxious of the unknown and the uncertain. And maybe it's okay to get tired of waiting sometimes. Maybe one day she'll find the answers to all her questions. Maybe just for some. Maybe still, she may never find out. That's alright, she thinks. For to each his own. You can't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Tweet Now, that's what she knows for certain. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dating 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 12:00 AM Single is no longer a lack of options – but a choice. A choice to refuse to let your life be defined by your relationship status but to live every day Happily and let your Ever After work itself out. -Mandy Hale While everyone my age is getting married, having a baby, or seriously dating, here I am...still single.In a world full of gooey-eyed couples, why am I still single? Here are 17 reasons why: 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 1. I finally know my worth. After all that I went through, heartbreak after heartbreak, I've finally realized my worth.I used to accept anyone who offers me love and sweet promises. Even though they don't treat me right.In short, I used to shortchange myself. I now know my value. I've woken up to the truth; that I've been fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)And so I deserve to be treated with honor.I'm still single because I believe I deserve more. Giphy 2. I love my own company. I enjoy my own company so much I don't need a man to entertain me or make me happy. I can eat out and watch a movie alone (or with my friends). I revel in my Me Time. I'm still single because I love spending time with myself. Being alone doesn't bother me. Giphy 3. I rediscovered myself. I've rediscovered who I really am after losing myself to someone...And I love what I've found. I didn't know this stronger and better version of myself before. Maybe because I didn't get the opportunity to tap into this strength and potential because of people holding me back. Or because I thought I was already okay with who I was.I'm still single because I've discovered who I really am and I fell in love with that person. (Not in the self-absorbed, arrogant way. But in a selfless, kind-to-myself way). Giphy 4. I refuse to be dictated by society. People around me are concerned about my relationship status. They think it's not normal for people my age to not be married or at least dating.I know these people mean well but what they don't understand is that I am single by choice. Not because there are no other options or that I'm too scared. Even in this day and age, people put a stigma on single women over the age of 30. I can't blame them. But I also refuse to be influenced by them.I'm still single because society has no say in my romantic choices. Giphy 5. I finally feel at peace with myself. I've been trying to figure out where I'm supposed to be for the longest time.I've been trying to reach other people's expectations. I've been searching, chasing, hustling. For what? I don't even know.I was like a dog who keeps chasing his tail day in and day out. Finally, when he caught it, he doesn't know what to do. It's silly and a total waste of time. Now, I feel at peace with myself knowing that I'm on the right track. I am exactly where my heart wants me to be. And that's another reason why I'm still single. Tumblr 6. I'm piecing myself back together. I have been broken, battered, bruised. I'm now learning to put back the pieces together.I've learned to embrace the present. To appreciate the people I'm with, the experience, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. It wasn't easy. Sometimes I still fall short. But I'm a work in progress.I'm still single because I'm still putting back my broken pieces together and this is something I've got to do on my own. Giphy 7. I'm making the most of all the time in my hands. I know this phase won't last. I don't know how long I'll be single.I'm certain that I will sooner or later find my better half. Now more than ever is the best time to spend serving, growing, and being with the people who matter to me. It's the best time to travel and experience new things.I'm still single because I want to take advantage of my free time doing things I've always wanted to do. Giphy 8. I'm enjoying my freedom.I love the freedom that comes with being unattached. 😊I can drop whatever I'm doing, pack my things and go out of town. I can head to the movies, or have tea with someone at a moment's notice. One text or call from a friend and I'm on my way to where the fun is. No one to ask permission to, no one to stop me, no dates to cancel, no compromises, no hassles.I'm still single because this freedom will not last forever and I'm here to enjoy it while it lasts. Tumblr 9. I still have trust issues. Somewhere not so long ago, my trust has been broken. And you know what they say about a broken trust...Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.I try so hard to shake the doubts off and give humanity another chance.I've never stopped believing in love but finding a genuine one has been challenging. Especially when you start to question everything.I'm still single because I haven't found the courage to trust again. Giphy 10. My Love Tank is still filling up. I am still filling up my love tank and I don't want to selfishly drain another person just to fill up mine.The way I've been drained before. I'm still single because I can't give something I don't have. If I want to give love to someone someday, I have to have healthy, selfless love in my heart first. Giphy 11. I have respect for myself and for others. I don't want to play with other people's feelings. I don't want to waste their time and lead them on. I have enough respect for them and for myself.Wasting my time and energy on something I'm not serious about and will not help me grow is not honoring myself. I'm still single because I have self-respect and I respect others. Giphy 12. No chasing. Most guys think being mysterious is sexy. Maybe at some point. But having to guess what men think about all the time isn't fun.They tell you they like you today and then stop talking to you for days. And expect you to still be there and believe them when they come around.There may be a thrill in the initial chase but it eventually gets boring and discouraging. Especially when it makes you ask...What role am I playing here? Where is this going?The doubts take away the fun. If I have to chase you, if I have to guess, then I think it's not worth my time.I'm still single because I don't want to chase after something inconsistent and unsure. I'm too old for that game. Giphy 13. Preparing for the real thing.There are many times I thought a relationship was real but it wasn't. I've learned to discern if someone's sincere or not. If a relationship is going somewhere or will just go around in a toxic circle.I've grown because of my mistakes and shortcomings.I'm still single because I'm still being prepared for my prince. So when he arrives, I'm ready. To give my all.Giphy14. I'm waiting.A friend once told me, "Stop waiting for Mr. Right. He doesn't exist."I agree.I'm not waiting for Mr. Right. I'm waiting for Mr. Right One For Me.I'm looking for the one I can spend my life with.He doesn't have to be perfect as long as we're perfectly imperfect for each other.I'm still single because I choose to wait for the right time for the right person with the right love. Tumblr 15. I have this boldness. Not everyone walks this path because it could be scary and intimidating. It's a lonely road when you're walking on your own.People tend to follow where the crowd goes. But I've learned that the more I follow the crowd the more lost I become.Because where they're going is not where I want to be.I'm still single because I am bold enough to take the road less traveled. Giphy 16. I complete me.Of course, I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. -Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieDo I need a man to live the life I've always wanted? No.Do I need a man to pay for my bills, finance my travels, and buy me things that I need and want? No.Am I incomplete, miserable, helpless, and unattractive without a man to call my own? No.I complete me. And that's why I'm still single. Giphy 17. I'm too fabulous to settle.That's what my favorite single woman author Mandy Hale said. Not in an egotistical, self-righteous kind of way.I know I am no damsel in distress.I am already living a fabulous life that I'd rather have someone with whom I can share that or enjoy it on my own.I have my family and friends who cheer me on.I have my dogs to care for and love and who give me unparalleled loyalty.I've got a God who's always got my back.And I've got me to give me what I want.I'm still single because I know I already got it good. I'm too fabulous to settle. GiphyWhat about you? Are you still single? Why did you choose singlehood? This is my entry for The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”.
Single Life This One's For You 5:32 AM I know that you're tired of waiting. And you may have to wait a little while more, but she's on her way. And she's getting here as fast as she can. -How I Met Your Mother If you've been hurting, wondering and wandering...this one's for you: Sometimes your days are longer, your nights colder, your battles a bit tougher than you let on. And that's alright. Some days it's hard to get up, it's a struggle to get out the door and it's a challenge to look and act normal when you're crumbling inside. No one sees your tears. No one feels your pain. No one else knows your story except for a selected few you trust. There are times when you feel like nothing good will ever happen as you lay in bed and dread to face another harsh day, when you have to receive yet again words of discouragement and mockery from those who know nothing of your battle, when you have to again strive to find and hold on to battered hope. Another day drags on as you wait for your prayers to be answered. The world can be cruel to someone different---someone like you. I know there are days when you want to give up the fight. When you consider changing plans, when you want so much to abandon the path less traveled and walk with the rest of the crowd despite knowing what is right. At least, you think, "I'll be one of them, I won't be alone, I won't be talked about or laughed at." "Maybe", you tell yourself, "it's less lonely if I walk with them." Not knowing that the world is actually more lost than you are. Yet here you are, still standing, stronger than you thought you were. Yes, you may have stumbled. Yes, your knees may buckle from time to time. Yes, you may be wounded and bruised. But, here you are. I couldn't be prouder. Hang on tighter. Hold your head higher. You are not alone. You have been chosen to do a much difficult task because you have shown exemplary strength and courage. Because you're set apart. Because you're one of the best. This road to the unknown, this could be rather fun and exciting if you just shut your ears from the cruel world and focus on the Voice of Truth, telling you how beautiful and loved you truly are. I know it's hard to believe this right now, but trust that there's something special and beautiful and magnificent waiting for you if you just keep on keeping on. Something you haven't read or seen anywhere else. Something beyond your comprehension, exceeding your wildest imagination. Don't walk with your head bowed low in defeat. Look up and see the beauty around. I tell you, that's nothing compared to what is waiting for you. In time you'll see. If you still doubt yourself, this one's for you. I hope you believe it. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Listicle 5 Types Of People Not To Fall In Love With 11:05 PM As if on a conveyor belt, there will be a never ending supply of idiots and jerks that come and go in your life. Whether you stop the belt to dance with any one of them is up to you. -Dan Pearce How many times have we given our all and not get anything in return? How many times have we fallen in love with the wrong person? We know they're not good for us, but we can't avoid them. Or we choose not to listen to that inner voice and the concerned voices around us. Then we get hurt or wonder what we did wrong when we knew the answer all along: We fell in love with the wrong person. It's as simple as that. So the next time cupid comes along and aims his arrow at you, duck. Or at least delay it until you're sure. Until you're sure that he's not aiming for the 5 types of people not to fall in love with. 5 Types Of People Not To Fall In Love With Impatient person They will not wait for you. They will not tolerate the pressure that distance or time or a little difficulty along the way would bring. They won't wait for things to be okay. Don't fall in love with an impatient person. They won't stay. All-words-no-action type A dreamer who stays stuck in his dreams and illusions and never want to face reality. A person who lives in his world and forgets where he really is. Don't fall in love with a dreamer who doesn't act. You'll never be able to bring him out of his own world. Someone who doesn't listen Listening is the most basic sign and highest form of respect. If your opinion doesn't matter to him, so does all of you. You are relevant. What you think is important. If he can't see that, being with him is pointless. Too dependent on you It does not have to be financial. If he takes too much of your time, drains you, depends on you to make him feel better or guide him in every step he takes, don't let yourself fall. You'll end up empty. He'll suck you dry. Unbeliever He'll always doubt, he'll always have something to complain about. Don't fall in love with the unbeliever. He'll never see the light no matter how much you try to point it to him. And it's not true that he doesn't have a god. He is his own god. Don't just fall. I know the feeling is exhilarating, but is it really worth the pain and the mess you'll have to deal with afterwards? Gifs from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Single Life I Am No Damsel In Distress 6:30 AM The only thing we single ladies need to be rescued from is the notion that we need to be rescued. -Mandy Hale Let me share the article I've written for Thought Catalog a year ago. I am no damsel in distress. After a guy friend read my previous post Good Men Still Exist, he pointed out one line which he said is the problem with women: "There are still knights in shining armor out there." Most women wait for their prince charming to come and rescue them from their miserable single life and offer them happily ever after. I repeat, most women. Not all. Only those (women or men) who are not happy with their lives need rescuing. The truth is, the only person who can bring you out of your misery is yourself. No fairy godmother or magic spell can transform your pumpkin into a golden carriage. I know that I hold the power and that I have the last say as to how my ending will be. As Mandy Hale often reminds the single, “Design a life so amazing that you don’t want to be rescued from it.” Tweet When you are enjoying life, finding happiness in all that you do and in all the places you visit, you invite people to join you in your journey. You don’t make them take pity on you and help you out of your misery. When you’re on top of the world, only those who are bold and courageous enough will make the effort to be with you. Only the secure and the mature will appreciate you. You become a challenge. You will discourage the complacent and the weak. You will make the insecure envious. Thus, expect a number of admirers and a few haters. You unknowingly repel toxic people. That’s a bonus! I don’t want to be that poor naive princess who sits around (or sleeps) in her castle all day, waiting for a prince to swing by and hopefully get a glimpse of her, and finally set her free from her “prison tower”. I’d rather be out there, fighting for my kingdom, resisting evil stepmothers or witches or whomever is trying to steal my happiness, protecting my people, seeing the world in all it’s majesty---getting a life. I am no damsel in distress. I am not impressed by your shining armor. I can fight my own battles. You don’t have to rescue me, sweetheart, but you’re welcome to join me in my kingdom anytime. First, show me your battle scars and tell me your war story. You might be just another frog who needs rescuing. In which case, you picked the wrong princess. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Rants The One Who Got Away 9:53 PM There’s the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you’re with, and the one who got away. How often do you think about the one that got away? I always say I'd rather be the one who got away than the one who let go and forever lives in regrets. Things don't always end up the way we want them to, and there's nothing we can do but accept it. Let go and move on, so they say. I don't know about you, but sometimes I still find myself wondering about the what-ifs. What if I tried again? What if I believed the story, accepted the apology, and gave it another chance? What if I stretched my patience a little bit more? What if I tried to understand more? What if we fought harder for each other? What if I didn't give up? I'll never know. I guess it will always stay that way. I think it's better to stay that way. I know that once in our lives, we meet someone we thought we'd spend our happily ever after with before life took over and changed everything. The plans we carefully made for our future with this person ended. Reality cut like a knife and woke us from our beautiful dreams, forcing us to return to the real world and deal with the pain we thought would never stop. Maybe for another person, you are the one who got away. I believe it's part of the plan; to meet someone whose memories we'll forever cherish but whom we NEED to let go of. It's not my kind of plan, but what can we do? Life's a bitch. A friend of a friend posted this on Facebook (we don't know who the author is), and it's too good not to share. It speaks a lot about the one who got away---something most people can relate to.Everyone has their own Robin. We Know Memes We all have someone that got away. For all of us, here's one good read: The One Who Got Away(Author Unknown) In your life, you’ll make a note of a lot of people. Ones with whom you shared something special and ones who will always mean something. There’s the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you lost your virginity to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you’re with...and the one who got away. Who is the one who got away? I guess it’s that person with whom everything was great, everything was perfect, but the timing was just wrong. I suppose there was no fault in the person nor flaw in the chemistry, but the cards just didn't fall the right way. I believe in the fact that ending up with someone and finding a longtime partner, that is, does not lie merely in the other person. I can actually argue that an equal part, or maybe even the greater part, has to do with timing. It has to do with you being ready to settle down and commit to someone in a way that goes beyond the little niceties of giddy romance. How often have you gone through it without even realizing it? When you’re not ready to commit maturely, it doesn't matter who you’re with. It just doesn’t work. Small problems become big; inconsequential ones become deal breakers simply because you’re not ready, and it shows. It’s not that you and the person you’re with are no good; it’s just that it’s not yet right, and little things become the flash point of that fact. Then one day, you’re ready. You really are. And when this happens, you’ll be ready to settle down with someone. He or she may not be the most perfect, or they or she might not be the brightest star of romance to ever have burned in your life, but it’ll work because you’re ready. It’ll work because it’s the right time, and you’ll make it work. And it’ll make sense. It really will. So that day comes when you’re finally making sense of things, and you find yourself different. Things are different, your approach is different, you finally understand who you are and what you want, and you've become ready because the time has truly arrived. And mind you, there’s no telling when this day will come. Hopefully, you’re single, in a long-term relationship, or married with three kids…it doesn't matter. All you know is that you have changed. And for some reason, the one who got away is the first person you think about. You’ll think about them because you’ll wonder, “What if they were here today?” “What if we were together now, with me as I am and not as I was?” The one who got away is– the biggest “What if?” you’ll have in your life. If you’re married, you’ll just have to accept the fact that the one who got away got away. Believe me, no matter how fairy tale you think your marriage is, this can happen to the best of us.But hopefully, you’re mature enough to realize that you’re already with the one you’re with, and this is just another test of your commitment, which will strengthen your marriage when you get past it. You’ll think about him/her occasionally, but it’s alright. It’s never nice to live with a “might have been,” but it happens. Maybe the one who got away is the one who’s already married. In which case, it’s the same thing. You just have to accept and know that your memories of that person will probably bring a nice little smile to your lips when you’re old and gray and reminiscing. But if neither of that is the case, then it’s different. What do you do if it’s not yet too late? Simple –find him or find her. The existence of the “one that got away” means that you’ll always wonder…what if you got that one? Ask him out to coffee. Ask her out to a movie. It doesn't matter if you’ve dropped in from out of nowhere. You’d be surprised. You just might be “the one who got away” as well for the person who is your “the one who got away.” You might drop in from nowhere, which won’t make a difference. If the timing is finally right, it’ll fall into place somehow. It would be a great feeling, in the end, to be able to say to someone, “Hey you, you’re the one who almost got away.” Is there someone in your life who got away?